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CC - Minutes - 12-08-15MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND ROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP AND THE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION JOINT MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2015 Joint Workshop 6:00 pm The joint meeting of the Rosemead City Council and the Rosemead Planning Commission was called to order by Mayor Clark at 6:05 pm PRESENT: • City Council: Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tern Armenia, Council Members Alarcon, Low, and Ly • Planning Commission: Vice Chair Lopez, Commissioners Dang (who arrived at 6:05 pm), Eng, and Herrera. Absent: Chair Tang. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Community Development Director Ramirez, City Planner Valenzuela, Interim Public Works Director La, Consultant Carman, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Soash, Finance Director Chu and Interim City Clerk Cowley. 1. Concept Presentation — Proposed Hampton Inn & Suites, 8910 Glendon Way (SWC Ivar Avenue and Glendon Way) City Planner Lily Valenzuela introduced Ivar Eagle, LLC who presented a proposal for a new Hampton Inn Hotel consisting of 123 guest rooms. Simon Lee, the architect on the project briefed the City Council on the proposed concept of the project next to the UFC gym on Glendon Way and Ivar Avenue. He displayed renderings of the floor plan and roof plan and the outside elevations. He mentioned that Hampton Inn & Suites belongs to Hilton and this is a typical franchise rendering. He provided the City Council with a brief description of the suites and noted the antennae system would be on the roof screened by the parapet. He depicted the letter from Hilton approving the proposed Hampton Inn and Suites in Rosemead. Mr. Lee introduced the owner, developer and General Contractor of the hotel, T. C. Pan who has invested $75,000 in the project. Council Member Low commented this is the first time Council has entertained this type of presentation explaining that the City Council and staff felt it was more business friendly to allow the developers to bring the pre - application concept to the City Council and Planning Commission to receive feedback prior to filing an application. City Manager Allred confirmed this is a pre - application process so the Developer can hear the Council's comments and concerns without making any decisions at this meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta complimented the project and raised a concern regarding a grand hotel being built next to the UFC Gym, and the parking. She asked what the plans were to beautify the fence area adjacent to the 1 -10 Freeway. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 1 of 12 Mr. Lee advised Council that Mr. Pan has talked to the owner of UFC regarding the project and UFC welcomed the project. Thereafter Mr. Lee informed the City Council of some of the projects Mr. Pan has constructed in other cities. Mr. Pan impressed on Council his determination, by investing $75,000 upfront, for the franchise. A brief discussion ensued regarding Mr. Pan's discussions with UFC. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta confirmed there could possibly be some type of partnership between UFC and the hotel where the hotel clients receive a free daily pass to the gym incorporated into the hotel's rate. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta asked Mr. Pan how he would beautify the 1 -10 explaining the fence was falling and the previous owner would not do anything about it. Council Member Low clarified the question is whether Mr. Pan was willing to work with the City to beautify the Hampton Inn area to make sure the property is cleaned and the correct trees and plants are incorporated into the project. Community Development Director Ramirez informed the City Council that one of the comments made by staff was to replace the fencing. She also pointed out that this project typically would not come before Council or the Planning Commission for approval at a later date; however, because the property has dual zoning, it requires a zone change and will come before Council a second time. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta asked if the project would be given a variance because it is five stories high. Ms Ramirez advised the height meets all of the qualifications for hotels. She also responded to Mayor Clark that there are no Notice of Determinations for higher heights, only mixed use. Mr.. Pan responded to Council Member Alarcon that the franchise would either be operated by Hilton employees or a third party qualified by Hilton. Mr. Pan also confirmed for Council Member Alarcon that if the hotel ran into financial trouble Hilton would not help out. Mr. Pan advised the market analysis confirms the success of the hotel. He also confirmed a swimming pool is included in the hotel. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, Mr. Lee advised there will be a small conference room but the hotel will not have a banquet room or ballroom. Mr. Lee confirmed this type of hotel is mainly for the business traveler. Council Member Ly asked what the average rate will be for the rooms. Mr. Pan responded $120 per night. Mr. Ly calculated that would be about half a million dollars per year for the City with an expected occupancy rate of approximately 80% to 90 %. Council Member Ly expressed his concern regarding parking being an issue because the parcel is divided and there has always been issues with parking on divided parcels. He noted he did not want to see signs on one side or the other that indicated UFC parking only or hotel parking only. He would like both entities to allow for overflow parking on both sides of the lot and he would like to see that reflected in the Conditions of Approval. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 2 of 12 r Community Development Director Ramirez advised the City Council that UFC, without this parking lot, technically meets parking requirements. The Plan submitted for the Hampton Inn also meets the parking for what is required. One of the issues discussed is that there would be some small type of fencing so there is a designation of the two properties. She did not know if Mr. Pan was going to allow for overflow p 9 arkin and that would be between him and agreement; i Primestor to have such an t would not be a requirement under the City's code. Council Member Ly understood it was not a requirement, but there is currently issues with off street parking on Glendon as a result of the condominiums and townhouses on that street. The street is very narrow, connects to a major freeway and if both entities allow for overflow parking, especially during peak hours, it might be helpful. Council Member Ly also discussed the traffic impact on Glendon as a result of the on ramp and off ramp along the 10 freeway during peak hours and the length of time the on ramp light stays red. Community Development Director Ramirez noted that Caltrans will review the project and staff has discussed meeting with Caltrans early on before beginning the CEQA process to address any of Caltrans' concerns. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta interjected that she had already spoken with the City Manager and Interim Public Works Director about the possibility of installing a "Do Not Turn on Red" sign at the Intersection of southbound Rosemead Boulevard and Glendon so the cars coming off the 10 can turn left without interference from the cars turning right onto Glendon. Council Member Ly summed up by saying he agreed with Mayor Pro Tern Armenta on the site issue and his personal opinion was to see the area adjacent to the 10 Freeway planted with trees along the entire corridor to help block the carbon dioxide and act as a natural sound barrier as well. He also mentioned he did not like palm trees; however, he thought the project was aesthetically pleasing. Planning Commissioner Eng asked staff about the variance. City Planner Valenzuela responded that it was a zone change. She noted that the property is currently zoned dual —PD plus C -3 Commercial so it will be rezoned to C -3. Ms. Valenzuela also responded to Commissioner Eng's question of what the current parking standards for a hotel, advising that it is one parking spot for every room plus one for every three employees, as well as additional parking for any additional uses. Planning Commissioner Eng expressed her biggest concern was traffic flow. Commissioner Dang felt it was a great project and would bring some life into that area of the City. He asked if the guests would be from out of town or part of tour packages. Mr. Pan said it would not be tourists but rather for out of state business travelers. Commissioner Dang suggested a pedestrian corridor be built from the hotel to the shopping center across the street which he felt would bring more business to the shopping center and provide the traveler with more opportunity to restaurants and commercial businesses. Thereafter followed a discussion regarding the only place for people to cross Rosemead Boulevard to get to the shopping center and Commissioner Pang's suggestion was to provide a more convenient and safe method of access to the shopping center. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes ofDecemher 8, 2015 Page 3 of 12 Mr. Dang also suggested a pedestrian corridor with additional street trees so visitors would know it was a pedestrian corridor. Vice Chair Lopez asked about lighting in that area and felt that a lighted pedestrian crosswalk was important. Council Member Ly agreed with Commissioner Deng on a need for some type of decorative path which will help to enhance the area; however, he thought the lighting in that area was pretty good. Vice Chair Lopez also agreed with Mayor Pro Tern Armenta that a "No Turn on Red" may be what is needed there. Council Member Low clarified that it was currently proposed to have separate parking lots for the hotel and the UFC Gym and she heard Council Member Ly suggest that each entity allow for overflow parking. She expressed her thoughts that it depended on whether the UFC gym was willing to do that. Community Development Director Ramirez pointed out the small pathway on the project plans explaining there was already a reciprocal access agreement between the hotel and UFC gym which will be opened where people can go from the UFC Gym to the Hampton Inns and vice versa. The property is not going to be closed off. Council Member Ly informed Council of the experience he had in trying to find parking at DiPilla's who shares a lot with Carl's Jr. He did not want to see that same situation at this project. Council Member Low agreed with council Member Ly and acknowledged the agreement would have to be by both sides noting UFC would have to agree to it as well. Brian Lewin addressed the City Council noting that parking and circulation had already been raised by the City Council and Planning Commission which was of concern to him. However, he was concerned that with Qiao Gardens, Bokai Quality Inn, and the El Monte Motel that is in progress on Valley Boulevard, and another one planned just below the 10 Freeway, the area would be saturated. He asked if any notification about this project was sent out to the residents and was advised this was merely a pre - application meeting, an application has not yet been filed and there is nothing to notice the public about. Community Development Director Ramirez added that the pre - application meeting is to receive comments from the City Council, Planning Commission and other departments so the applicant can determine whether the project is even feasible. Mr. Lewin stated that he understood that, but he would like in the future, that notification be sent to resident property owners in the affected areas from the standpoint of transparency and fairness. He asked the City Council to consider inviting residents to events like this so the residents have a chance to feel they participated and had some sort of ability to shape the outcome of impacts on their homes. Thereafter followed a discussion regarding the noticing requirements having been met and the City's process for posting notices. Council Member Ly expressed his feeling that if a citizen of Rosemead has a cursory interest, that person can go to the City's website, pull up the agenda and if there is anything they are interested in they will come to a meeting and discuss it. While he understood and respected Mr. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 4 of 12 Lewin's concerns, the fact of the matter is people cannot be forced to come to council meetings or to show up for issues. Art Angel addressed the City Council and expressed his concerns regarding traffic and parking. He felt the project would bring more pedestrian traffic in that area and the City needed to protect the pedestrians. He suggested a bridge for the pedestrians to cross. He expressed his concerns with the project having 123 rooms. He felt that the City would have issues later on with restaurants, liquor license and other issues not presented at this time. Mr. Pan confirmed for Commissioner Eng there would be a small kitchen to accommodate continental breakfasts. He also confirmed the hotel would take 18 months to complete and there would not be any shuttle service to and from the airport. There was no further discussion. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta advised the Mayor that Marissa Castro - Salvatti wanted to address Council and had to leave for another meeting. She asked Mayor Clark to consider allowing Ms. Castro - Salvatti to speak at this time. Mayor Clark invited Ms. Castro Salvatti to the podium. Marissa Castro - Salvatti addressed the City Council to thank the City Council, staff and residents of the community for being such good friends to Southern California Edison and especially to her. She mentioned serving the City for the past ten years. She advised that Southern California Edison just completed its restructuring for Public Affairs and she would be taking on a new assignment monitoring about 35 cities in the Coachella Valley. She was disheartened that she had to move on to a new assignment. Ms. Castro - Salvatti expressed her gratitude to the City who has been a great partner noting she was still going to be based out of Rosemead so she would come by from time to time. The City Council expressed its gratitude to Ms. Castro - Salvatti. There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Clark recessed the meeting at 7:03 pm. Regular Meeting 7:00 pm The meeting of the Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission was called to order by Mayor /Chair Clark at 7:12 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Council Member /Board Member Ly INVOCATION was led by Council Member /Board Member Low PRESENT: Mayor /Chair Clark, Mayor Pro Tem /Vice -Chair Armenta, Council Members /Board Members Alarcon, Low and Ly Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 5 of 12 STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Allred, City Attorney Richman, Community Development Director Ramirez, City Planner Valenzuela, Interim Public Works Director La, Consultant Cannan, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Soash, Finance Director Chu and Interim City Clerk Cowley. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Velia Navarro addressed the City Council to find out the progress being made on the traffic problems on Klingerman and Angelus. She told the Council about a near mishap that recently happened. City Manager Allred advised the City Council that staff received the traffic study prepared by the City's Traffic Engineer yesterday. The Interim Public Works Director will take some time to review the report and schedule a meeting with the Traffic Commission. Mr. Allred advised the City Council that Ms. Navarro will be invited to that meeting and will be given a copy of the traffic study. MS. Navarro thanked Mayor Clark, Mayor Pro Tern Armenta and Council Member Low for their assistance with this issue and mentioned the missing delineator polls that were in the street. 3. PRESENTATIONS Welcome Back Council Member Ly Mayor Clark welcomed Council member Ly back from military duty, thanking him for his service. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta and Council Members Alarcon and Low also welcomed Council Member Ly. Thank you Recognition to Jean Hall Mayor Clark thanked Jean Hall for serving in Council Member Ly's absence, expressing the City Council's appreciation for taking the time to serve six months on two occasions for Council Member Ly. The City Council presented Ms. Hall with a Certificate and flowers. Jean Hall thanked the City Council for appointing her to serve in Council Member Ly's absence noting it was a wonderful experience and thanked the City Council for their support. Council Member Ly thanked Ms. Hall for her service to the community expressing his trust in her as someone who represents a good balance, who understands what Rosemead is about, and who also knows what the City needs to do in order to prepare itself for the next 50 to 60 years. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta thanked Ms. Hall expressing her pleasure in sitting next to her on the dais. Ms. Armenta acknowledged Ms. Hall for wanting the best for the City, its residents, and businesses. Council Member Low thanked Ms. Hall for taking the time from her other activities to serve in the absence of Council Member Ly. Council Member Alarcon thanked Ms. Hall for being a beautiful person. Mayor Clark acknowledged Ms. Hall for caring for Rosemead and thanked her for her service. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 6 of 12 Introduction of Sgt. Tony Duong Police Chief Samoano introduced Sergeant Tony Duong from the Temple City Station who has been assigned to be the Rosemead Sergeant. He provided the City Council with Sergeant Duong's professional biography. Lieutenant Somoano advised the City Council that Sergeant Duong is fluent in reading, writing and speaking Vietnamese which is a benefit to the community. Sergeant Tony Duong expressed his privilege to work with the Rosemead Special Assignment Team and he looked forward to bringing his investigative experience to the team. The City Council welcomed Sergeant Duong to the Rosemead Special Assignment Team. AQMD Presentation by AQMD Board Member Cacciotti Air Quality Management Board Director Michael Cacciotti, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the status of the Air Quality Management District from when it was first formed in 1970 to the present. He advised the areas of air quality for which the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible and the areas for which the State Air Quality Resources Board is responsible. Mr. Cacciotti provided an overview of the health impacts on people. He advised the audience about the millions of dollars in investments the City has made since the beginning of 2000 and the money available to cities for alternative fuel & electric vehicle charging stations. He advised the Council of funding programs available to individuals for the purchase of a Level II charger if they buy an electric automobile and keep it for three years. Mr. Cacciotti informed the Council that the City of Rosemead has $175,964 in the City's MSRC Budget which is money from AB 2766 that comes from car registrations in the City. These funds have to be used for mobile source pollution reduction. He mentioned some of the District's year round programs including the electric lawnmower exchange program and the commercial electric lawn equipment program for the City's contract landscaper. The City Council thanked Mr. Cacciotti for his informative presentation. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Municipal Code Amendment 15.08 — A City Initiated Ordinance Amending Rosemead Municipal Code Title 13 "Public Services," Chapter 13.08 "Water Efficient Landscapes" and Associated Guidelines in Accordance with Governor Brown's Drought Executive Order (B- 29.15) Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions: (1) Conduct the noticed public hearing and receive public comment; and (2) Introduce for First Reading, by title only, Ordinance No.960 "An Ordinance of the Rosemead City Council Amending Chapter 13 -08 of the Rosemead Municipal Code Amending the Water Efficient Landscape Standards Guidelines to be Consistent with State Law." Community Development Director Ramirez provided the staff report indicating the ordinance before the City Council will amend Chapter 13.08 of the City's Municipal Code relating to Water Efficient Landscapes and Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 7 of 12 Associated Guidelines to comply with Governor Brown's Drought Declaration. She informed the Council of the City's participation in a Water Efficient Landscape Sub - Committee that was formed by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Planning and Community Development's Technical Advisory Committee. She advised of the sub - committee's collaboration with the Orange County Stakeholders Group that had already prepared a regional model ordinance. The regional model ordinance is now being used by several cities in the San Gabriel Valley as it is at least as effective as the State model, and insures an implementation process for streamline compliance, minimizes complexity and allows consistency between local jurisdictions. Ms. Ramirez explained some of the changes to the City's current code which included increased water savings for new construction through more efficient irrigation systems, limiting turf grass area, and on -sight storm water capture. She also noted square footage thresholds that trigger compliance with the ordinance have been reduced from 2,500 to 500. There is now a turf restriction on street medians and parkways; the definitions of the technical terms used in the model ordinance and guidelines have been clarified and expanded; and includes a simplified water efficient landscape worksheet to calculate the estimated total water use and maximized total water allowance and annual implementation and compliance reporting to the California Water Resources. Mayor Clark opened the Public Hearing at 7:45 p.m. There being no public comments, the Mayor closed the public hearing. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Armenta to introduce by first reading and approve Ordinance No 960 by title only. City Attorney Richman read the title of Ordinance 960 into the record An Ordinance of the Rosemead City Council Amending Rosemead Municipal Code Title 13 "Public Services," Chapter 13.08 "Water Efficient Landscapes" and Associated Guidelines in Accordance with Governor Brown's Drought Executive Order (B- 29 -15) The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly. B. Municipal Code Amendment 15.07 — An Ordinance Amending Rosemead Municipal Code, Title 17 "Zoning," Chapter 17.40 "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries" to prohibit Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facilities and Medical Marijuana Deliveries in all Zones of the City Recommendation: That the City Council take the following Actions: (1) Conduct the noticed public hearing and receive public comment; and (2) Introduce for First Reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 959 — "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Rosemead, California Amending Title 17 "Zoning" of the City's Municipal Code by Amending Chapter 17.40 to Prohibit Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facilities and Medical Marijuana Deliveries. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 8 of 12 Community Development Director Ramirez presented the staff report advising the Council that this ordinance amended Title 17 "Zoning," Chapter 17.40 to prohibit medical marijuana cultivation facilities throughout all zones of the City and medical marijuana deliveries within the City of Rosemead. She advised the definition of marijuana cultivation facilities includes cultivation by individuals at their private residences, and deliveries of medical marijuana is prohibited within the City with the exception of deliveries by a primary care taker to his or her qualified patient. Mayor Clark Opened the public hearing at 7:49 pm. There being no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing. Mayor Pro Tern Armenta thanked Ms. Ramirez and her staff for the hard work they performed on this ordinance because of the difficulty of this issue, ACTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tern Armenta, and seconded by Council Member Ly, to introduce Ordinance No. 959 for first reading. City Attorney Richman read the title thereof into the record as follows: An Ordinance Amending Rosemead Municipal Code, Title 17 "Zoning," Chapter 17.40 "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries" to prohibit Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facilities and Medical Marijuana Deliveries in all Zones of the City The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, and Ly 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Ly pulled Item C for discussion. The Minutes of November 10, 2015 and November 24, 2015, were pulled for corrections. A. Claims and Demands Resolution No. 2015 -63 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $877,030.06 NUMBERED 90915 THROUGH 91045, INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2015 -63. Resolution No. 2015 -23 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AS THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $55,190.55 NUMBERED 10154 THROUGH 10156, INCLUSIVELY Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2015 -23. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 9 of 12 B. Approval of Minutes • Minutes of October 23, 2012 • November 10, 2015 (pulled to be brought back to the next meeting) • November 24, 2015 (pulled to be brought back to the next meeting) Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of November 10, 2015, November 24, 2015, and October 23, 2015. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Alarcon, to approve Items A and the Minutes of October 23, 2012 under Item B of the Consent Calendar. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, and Ly. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR C. Ordinance No. 955 — Second Reading: Municipal Code Amendment 15.05 — Adoption of Amended Fireworks Ordinance Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 955 at its second reading. Council Member Ly stated he had no problem with limiting fireworks to two days but asked if it would be a violation under the ordinance if fireworks were used on Lunar New Year. He asked if staff could amend the Code sometime in the future to allow for fireworks on Lunar New Year because there is a community that would want to set off fireworks which should be allowed. A brief discussion ensured regarding fire crackers not being considered safe and sane fireworks and being illegal. Community Development Director Ramirez advised that there could be an exception for the use of safe and sane fireworks if a special permit were obtained from the State Fire Marshal. ACTION: Moved by Council Member Ly, and seconded by Council Member Low to approve Ordinance No. 955. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low, and Ly. 6. MATTERS FROM CITY MANAGER & STAFF A. Rosemead Farmers Market for 2016 Recommendation: that the City Council direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Green Leaf, Inc. to operate the Rosemead Farmers Market in the Civic Center Plaza in 2016 on Thursday evenings between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the months of April through October. City Manager Allred provided a brief report regarding the 2016 Agreement with Green Leaf, Inc. to operate the Rosemead Farmers Market in the Civic Center Plaza beginning In April 2016 through October 2016. He advised that Green Leaf was excited about changing the market day to Thursdays because the turnout would be better and they would be able to get more vendors. Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 10 of 12 Mayor Pro Tern Armenta thought changing the day to Thursdays was great; however, her only concern is the loud music since the time for the market has changed from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm to 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. She suggested that the music either be stopped or the sound lowered at 8:00 pm., since she and Mayor Clark received several complaints about the loud music. She asked if staff could work with Green Leaf to lower the sound at 8:00 pm. City Manager Allred advised that Green Leaf has been very receptive to staff's recommendations. A brief discussion regarding the music and the location of the speakers ensued. Mr. Allred confirmed the issue was the direction of the speakers suggesting if the speakers faced north, away from the residential area, the noise would not be as bad. The City Council directed staff to work with Green Leaf to direct their speakers toward Valley Boulevard so the neighborhoods were not impacted. Mayor Clark added that it should be made clear to Green Leaf that the City Council might consider retracting the later hour if they did not comply. City Manager Allred responded to Council Member Low's question regarding the vendors keeping the area clean, indicating they have improved considerably. Council briefly discussed the later hours of the Farmers Market being more convenient for people to attend. Council Member Alarcon advised everyone he talks to enjoy the Farmers Market and he complimented the City Manager for its success. City Manager Allred acknowledged Interim Parks and Recreation Director April Soash for being instrumental in bringing a new dimension of understanding as to what needs to happen to make the market successful. ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Armenta moved, and seconded by Council Member Low, to direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Green Leaf, Inc. to operate the Rosemead Farmers Market beginning in April 2016 through October 2016 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm., with the comments addressed by the City Council. The motion unanimously carried by the following vote: AYES: Alarcon, Armenta, Clark, Low and Ly. 6. MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL Council Member Alarcon acknowledged his friend whose birthday was today. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta congratulated Council Member Alarcon whose son was sworn in as a lawyer. Council Member Ly advised that upon arriving home Sunday night, the first thing he saw was BST tagging on the corner where he lives. He noted this is a chronic issue in the City and a workshop was held last year. He would like another workshop for an update in terms of changes in the amount of graffiti, and how it is being handled. Council Member Ly expressed his disappointment that Fresh & Easy closed down and after talking to Community Development Director Ramirez and City Manager Allred, and before attending the ICSC Conference this year, he would like to have some type of strategy plan in place to have a neighborhood Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 11 of 12 market replace Fresh & Easy. He wanted staff to begin discussions with businesses now and not wait to talk to them at the ICSC Conference, Council Member Ly discussed the success of the Concerts in the Park. He felt it was a nice event that gave people a chance to come together and enjoy a summer evening. He expressed his view that the number of Concerts in the Park be expanded from four to six. Mr. Ly was happy to hear that the new computer lab at the RCRC is very well used by a huge cross - section of the community; noting seniors use it more during the day; and in the afternoons, the kids use it after school as well as parents who do not have access to computers at home. He was pleased the City was providing a very valuable service to the community. Council Member Ly mentioned that when he was first elected to the City Council, there was a transportation working group. He felt a lot of transportation issues such as Garvey Avenue, could have been addressed initially if the City still had a transportation working group. He suggested forming another transportation working group made up of Planning Commissioners, Traffic Commissioners, and representatives of the Council to discuss transportation focused issues so that if the City did look for grants, the grants would fit the fabric of Rosemead. He gave an example that rather than the City trying to get grant funds for bike lanes knowing Mayor Clark has a concern about bike lanes; that the City look for grants for protected bike lanes, He suggested the committee could wait until a new Public Works Director was hired. 8. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Clark announced the times and dates of the upcoming community events. Mayor Pro Tem Armenta thanked Interim Parks and Recreation Director Soash and her staff for the wonderful job they did with the Dinner with Santa which was very well attended. She also complimented the hard work of the Public Works Department for decorating the trees and the facilities. Mayor Clark commended Raena Ramirez, Community Development Director Ramirez' daughter for being selected as Miss Garden Grove. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Clark adjourned the meeting at 8:14 pm in memory of the victims of the tragic terror attack in San Bernardino. The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on January 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber. Carol Cowley' City Clerk APPROVED: Margaret Clark, Mayorl Rosemead City Council and the Successor Agency to the Rosemead Community Development Commission Joint Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2015 Page 12 of 12